How to get into informatics?

I have been an ER nurse for a few years now a little experience beyond that. I am starting to realize clinical nursing isn't where I want to take my career long term. I noticed my friends in computers really seem to enjoy their job which makes informatics appealing. I am reasonably good at computer but no IT experience so basically my question is what would be my best route to get into informatics.

I have seen a few certificate programs like Johns Hopkins for around 12.5k
There is the option of getting another bachelors in IT
or the obvious would get the masters in Informatics.

I have read through many posts that say well you don't need the masters but ideally what is going to most prepare me and give me the highest earning potential? I would think on paper the masters would look the best.

I have been an ER nurse for a few years now a little experience beyond that. I am starting to realize clinical nursing isn't where I want to take my career long term. I noticed my friends in computers really seem to enjoy their job which makes informatics appealing. I am reasonably good at computer but no IT experience so basically my question is what would be my best route to get into informatics.

I have seen a few certificate programs like Johns Hopkins for around 12.5k
There is the option of getting another bachelors in IT
or the obvious would get the masters in Informatics.

I have read through many posts that say well you don't need the masters but ideally what is going to most prepare me and give me the highest earning potential? I would think on paper the masters would look the best.

Hi ncaru01,

This is my first time posting on allnurses. I was inspired to respond to you because I was in your shoes about a year ago. Like you, I realized that I wanted to specialize in informatics. I started the informatics MSN program at Walden University (only have my practicum left) and became a super-user on my floor and member of my organization's technology council. I began to volunteer for various projects and was the 'go-to' person on my unit. I updated my resume and focused it on my informatics experience. I started applying to informatics jobs and received a few interviews but became discouraged because I had not received any offers. I researched nursing informatics interview techniques and learned from each failed interview. A few months later, I received a job offer as an informatics nurse for the VA. Start next week and am super excited!

I would tell you to become a super-user on your unit. Volunteer for upcoming projects and gain experience. Update your resume and gear it more towards informatics and technical skills. You already have the clinical experience so that is a plus. Getting a certificate or your MSN is great because you will learn theory, but make sure you get the super-user/implementation experience (I have heard of people who have a MSN degree but can't get a job because they have no informatics related experience). The MSN/certification will give you higher earning potential and an edge over other candidates in a management position (but again...get experience)!!! I don't have my MSN yet but I honestly believe becoming a super-user and volunteering for projects first is the best way to get into the specialty. I wish you the best of luck!!!

Jan 27, '13

How was the salary compared to what you were doing before?

Jan 27, '13

My pay increase is roughly a $12,000 dollar difference than before as a floor nurse. Only difference is that I get paid salary instead of hourly so from my understanding, overtime doesn't matter.

Jan 27, '13

I've looked at informatics positions in my area and the starting pay is what I make now. But I don't have benefits and this particular job does. 8:4:30 no weekends or holidays. But that was the minimum salary. Of course when I finish school I would like to make more than what I make now. But at this point I'm ok with making the same salary especially with doing something that I truly enjoy versus something that I truly dislike.

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Jan 28, '13

Hi nicenurse46, congrats on almost finishing! A question on Walden, do you think you have gotten a good education for what you have paid? I was looking at their RN-MSN nursing informatics. I am one that does not want to be a floor nurse forever and I enjoy computers. I know I need to go back to school but I can't decide on what. Thanks for the info.

Jan 29, '13

I am accepted to NP school and just the salaries for NP's aren't great I was thinking informatics from what I am reading would be lower stress regular hours and maybe even pay better. NP starts in the fall trying to make a decision soon. It just doesn't seem like there are a lot of jobs out there. Everything I read says their is but not if you search for jobs.